According to the member vote, Pocono Mountains, PA has been selected for our 2023 Member Gathering.

Now the question is, where do we look to call "home" during the event?

In this map below, I've circled some possible locations.  The X is where Pocono Raceway is. I was thinking a tour of that facility would probably be cool.

So, for those of you familiar with the area, where do you think would make sense to get our group hotel?

What activity suggestions do you have?

What sites should we see?

At what places should we eat?

The more suggestions we get, the easier it will be to put an agenda together.

Also, what month should we target?  July? August? September?

O.K. I'll start. Most central area for our stay and ease of access to most venues would be Tannersville. Close exit to highway 84. Many lodgings in area. Eating establishments are various and accessible. Late July may eliminate the rush of vacationers to the area. I'm not real familiar with the area, but activities for our age group may be limited, and require some travel to find acceptable venues. How many days do you want to enjoy? How far in one day do you want to drive? Road trips? Casinos? History? Entertainment? Day trips on your own? Casual time with participants? So much to think about, and accommodate those who attend. Let's not loose the opportunity to gather and renew friendships, and make a trip from afar a memorable time. 

Any questions on the Poconos area I can help answer since we own a cabin in Promised Land State Park which is in the heart of the Poconos. I also have 30 years of working the races at Pocono Raceway, although retired for over 3 years now, but I can help with that. What are the groups feelings as to how far you are willing to travel to an attraction? Need lots of input from possible attendees.

Lots of museums in the area (here's a map).

Typical gatherings start with a Wednesday evening welcome dinner. 

A fairly short driving day on Thursday visiting a spot in the morning, lunch somewhere, visiting a spot in the afternoon and then dinner somewhere.

Friday is usually a longer driving day visiting a spot in the morning, lunch somewhere, visiting a spot in the afternoon and then dinner somewhere.

Saturday is usually a shorter driving day visiting a spot in the morning, lunch somewhere, visiting a spot in the afternoon and then dinner somewhere.

And Sunday is a "see ya next year" breakfast before heading for home.

So that's 6 venues to visit, 3 lunch spots, and 3 dinner spots to line up (breakfasts are usually at the host hotel).

It takes a bit of sorting out to be sure.  It's not really hard, just consumes some time to lay it all out.

Forgot to mention that an ice cream stop is mandatory for Mr. Countryman.  🤣

And a go-kart night after dinner one night is EXCEPTIONAL...!!!  👍

After both my wife and I getting motion sick after the go karts in Saskatoon we'll pass on that! 😂

Thanks!

Come on folks... time's a wasting.  Need more ideas on things to do and see.  And also WHEN as that plays an important part in figuring things out...!!! 

Over 2 dozen folks voted for this area and there have been only 2 replies so far.  TIC TOC...!!!

I see there is a Segway tour on the Poconos Trail, we really enjoyed the one in Branson when we had the gathering there. May not be for everyone but is lots of fun and really easy to get used to maneuver it. Maybe an option for those who wish to try it out.

Late August could work for us, we have several travel plans over the summer and fall and plan to work this in. It is always a blast!! Not to mention getting to see everyone again!!

Early September is the best weather. Usually dry and warm but not extremely hot in the mountains. 

I don't think many of us have kids to worry about at this time for school etc. 

Arrive on Wednesday as others mentioned.  Depart Sunday AM.

I had fun years ago in Pigeon Forge TN, but the Vette was not able to make the trip - still was in a lot of pieces. (!)

I had the 94 Black Impala SS which made the trip possible. The Vette runs now but never have driven that far especially in the rain, so it will take a lot of coaxing the wife to drive the Vette. Once dead on the road scared her a bit :) And no A/C .

Looking forward to the event.